Any Space. Any Load.

MILLING
FOR EVERY
ENVIRONMENT

Any Space. Any Load.

VTM-compact: Track availability instead of hotspots

The VTM-compact is the answer to the significantly increased interest of industrial rail network operators in more effective methods of rail processing. On the one hand, milling is a good starting point for long-term rail maintenance. On the other hand, the VTM-compact is ideal for particularly stressed sections – so-called hotspots. This milling machine stands for maximum performance, as it repairs even serious rail defects with precision and efficiency. Extremely flexible in terms of logistics and track gauge, it is suitable for a wide range of applications.

Benefits
of VTM-compact

Rail maintenance is essential for safe, reliable, and cost-effective operations. Milling is a highly effective method of rail maintenance that restores the profile of the rails, extending their service life while maintaining optimum performance. The VTM-compact makes rail maintenance more efficient.

The most versatile

Adaptable to all track gauges and supported by a comprehensive logistics concept, it ensures seamless operations in every environment.

The most compact

Whether in harbors, in industry, in tunnels, or in mining, the VTM-compact is designed to fit every clearance space.

The most powerful

Delivering maximum material removal per pass, it optimizes rail maintenance while significantly reducing time and costs.

The safest

Operating completely spark‑free, it meets the highest safety standards – ideal for hazardous and sensitive work areas.

What you will learn in this webinar

1.

Why should I start milling

Discover how milling extends rail life, reduces costs, and minimizes downtime.
2.

Why is the VTM-compact the perfect choice

Learn about its high precision, flexibility, and efficiency in all environments.
3.

Proven success in the field

Explore real-world cases demonstrating the VTM-compact’s performance in challenging conditions.
4.

Zero spark emission for maximum operational safety

The VTM-compact ensures a clean, controlled process environment by virtually reducing spark discharge at the source. This significantly reduces thermal stress and potential ignition risks - for safer, more stable production lines without compromise.

Mainline between Memphis and New Orleans

47 milling cycles completed across 30 layers

Very short track possession windows of 1-2 hours maximum

4,080 meters milled

Successfully completed within the scheduled time

Precise correction of gauge narrowing

A gauge narrowing is a shortfall in the standard gauge, i.e. the distance between the rails, which can occur, for example, as a result of burring and bending sleepers. This can lead to problems with track guidance and operational safety. With a positive track correction of up to 2.5 mm per rail section, i.e. a total of 5 mm in the track, the VTM-compact ensures that the nominal gauge width is restored. Efficient and standard-compliant.

Maintenance of the tracks at the Hamburger Hochbahn depot in Barmbek

Track narrowing: 1,417 mm (in places)

6 tracks were affected and had to be brought to a track gauge of 1,435 mm

3 shifts were necessary

The alternative would have been a cost-intensive removal and reinstallation of the tracks

The customer was very satisfied with the quick and easy solution to the problem

On Toronto’s airport rail link, the VTM-compact eliminated severe RCF damage on a 2.4 km section of grooved rail. Despite tight clearances and limited access, 24 short night shifts were enough to restore the track—demonstrating the machine’s precision, reliability, and suitability for urban transit systems under extreme spatial constraints.

Compact. Powerful.
Ready to scale.

Each VTM-compact is built to repair even the most serious rail defects. In Hamburg, two milling machines worked hand in hand to make the most efficient use of a tight maintenance window. When flexibility meets performance, the schedule remains under control - or is exceeded.

Elimination of rail defects – including head-hardened rails

Four shifts required

Up to 6.5 mm material removal in 3 passes

Focus on deep dail defects

HPA was positively impressed

No matter the damage

Rail defects can be roughly divided into the categories of abrasion (material loss due to abrasion), deformation, fatigue and machining errors. What they have in common is that they can significantly affect the availability and service life of rails. Mobile rail milling offers a precise, efficient and economical solution for eliminating deep defects without causing thermal damage or requiring complete rail replacement. With the ability to repair a wide range of rail defects, milling ensures smoother operation, extended service life, and reduced maintenance costs, keeping tracks safe, reliable, and operational in any environment.

Breakouts

Advanced rail defects

Head Checks

Microcracks at the running edge

Slip Waves

Deformations in tight bends

Squats

Rail surface depressions

Skid Spots

Local hardening due to a structural change in the material

Corrugation

Wave-like wear on rail surfaces

Gauge narrowing

Burring or flexural fatigue in the sleepers

Why Vossloh?

As a long-standing service provider & machine manufacturer, we understand customer needs and know the track in all weathers. With Vossloh Track Milling, we serve market requirements that have not yet been met. Our expertise spans decades of rail maintenance and innovation, allowing us to anticipate challenges and develop tailored solutions for every environment. We combine cutting-edge technology with hands-on experience to ensure efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective track maintenance worldwide. By continuously evolving and setting new industry standards, we are shaping the future of rail infrastructure—delivering safe, reliable, and high-performance rail networks for generations to come.